IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Victoria, BC.
WEST COAST SQUADRON HAS IMPRESSIVE THOUGH SHORTLIVED CAREER
The recent disbandment of 2455 AC&W Squadron RCAF (Aux) Victoria gives further evidence to rapidly changing times.
Due to post war developments in aircraft capabilities, and tension on the international scene, Auxiliary radar squadrons were formed to supplement a new concept of air defence, of radar and jet fighter aircraft. In ten short years these RCAF Squadrons have themselves become the victim of science. Its purpose superceded by electronic brains, 2455 Squadron bowed to automation this month and is in the process of being officially disbanded by 31 March 1961. However, while there will not, fortunately, be a fall of fame battle wise, there will be fond remembrance and admiration for what was considered to be one of the top reserve Air Force Squadrons in Canada and respected military unit in this area.
Early days of the Squadron were trying for those dedicated to Air Force life. Originally equipped as a mobile radar squadron, the Unit was assigned war surplus vehicles which had seen better days on the desert. The Unit subsequently trained at RCAF bases in BC, Alberta, Quebec and the United States. The Squadron was guided along during its infancy by such well know Victoria names as Squadron Leader Pip Holmes, first Commanding Officers; Flight Lieutenant Al Davies, first Squadron Adjutant; Flight Lieutenant Ernie Fox, first Telecommunication Officer, now serving with the regular force, and a host of others too numerous to mention. Commanding Officers after Squadron Leader Holmes were Squadron Leader Bill Martin, Squadron Leader Dick Higgins and the Commanding Officer at the time of disbandment - Squadron Leader David B Ascott.
A significant part played by the Squadron was the training of some 550 senior high school students in the Reserve Tradesman Training Plan held each year during the summer months. Approximately 20 percent of these members have joined the regular Air Force.
The Squadron Band, formed in 1957, was considered to be outstanding, as was evident when the band played concerts at Station Comox for the regular force, and at the opening of the provincial legislature.
While the Squadron may be officially disbanded, it will remain active in its support of the RCAF as most of those who served during its ten year life have joined the newly formed 800 Pacific Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association. Our hats are off to those Canadians who gave up a goodly portion of their daily life to serve Canada and the RCAF by being members of this Squadron over the past ten years.